Conduct Information for Students

The student conduct review process includes a meeting between the student alleged to have violated one or more policies (respondent) and a Student Conduct Review Board (SCRB) or hearing officer. The hearing officer and the SCRB are responsible for reviewing and determining responsibility for alleged violations. They are also responsible for determining and recommending sanctions. The Vice President of Student Life has final and binding authority to withdraw, defer, suspend, or confirm decisions and sanctions.

Our approach to violations of policy related to alcohol and other drugs is designed to be proactive and educational. Students are provided with information about the effects of alcohol and other drugs during orientation sessions and programs are hosted in residence halls, by sports teams and student organizations, and by University departments throughout the academic year. Students found in violation of policy are also referred to educational and self-assessment programs such as E-Chug, E-Toke, Alcohol I, and Level II Substance Abuse Courses. Alcohol Level I and Level II Substance Abuse Courses are educational programs that help students develop a better understanding of the effects of use and misuse of alcohol and drugs. Each program is facilitated by trained instructors and provides the student an opportunity to assess their own behavior and risk for misuse or addiction. In addition to the educational interventions, any student found in violation of the Alcohol Policy three times in any one year period may be suspended from the University. Similarly, any student with violations of the drug policy while enrolled at the institution may be suspended from the University. Also, any student who is found to be manufacturing or distributing drugs or attempting to manufacture or distribute drugs on or off campus may be expelled from the University.

Certain violations may impact the student's future admission to graduate programs and could be requested by employers for background checks.

The submission of an Incident Report Form may cause the creation of a student conduct file. If the respondent is found not responsible for the alleged charges, the student conduct file is sealed. If a student is found responsible for the charges, the file is retained for internal record-keeping purposes and for seven years after the student's graduation. If a student has additional incidents, the student conduct file may be used to provide insight in the student's behavior. Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). It is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. "Education records" are "those records, files documents, and other materials which 1) contain information directly related to a student; and 2) are maintained by an educational institution. (20 U.S.C. § 1232g(a)(4)(A); 34 CFR § 99.3). FERPA applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

The Higher Education Reauthorization Act of 1998 (HERA) amended the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allowing colleges and universities to inform the parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21 who has been found in violation of the University's drug and alcohol policy. The University recognizes that the majority of our students are adults and wishes to respect the rights and privileges of that status. We also recognize that the input and involvement of parents/guardians can have a dramatic effect on the success and decision making of college students. Studies have indicated that the unhealthy use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs affects a student's grades, health, and safety. We also recognize that the use and abuse of alcohol can have negative effects on others within the community. Our mission is to provide an environment conducive to learning and the success of our students. In an effort to enlist the aid of parents in this process, the University has adopted a policy in which parents will be notified of alcohol and drug violations by a student under the age of 21.

Parents will receive notification of the following violations of University Policy.

• Any second violation of the Alcohol Policy; or
• Any first violation of the University Drug Policy; or
• Any situation involving medical assistance due to incapacitation or suspected incapacitation; or
• The student was cited by Public Safety in connection with a violation of the Alcohol or Drug Policy or for DUI, Public Intoxication, Minor in Possession or any other drug or alcohol-related incident resulting in arrest.

Academic Grievance

Informal Grievance Process for Academic Matters

Prior to submitting a formal grievance, the student shall:

1. Consult the instructor whose action is being appealed. This consultation generally must take place within 14 calendar days of the start of classes after the grading period in question. The instructor is expected to meet with the student and respond to his/her grievance in writing within 10 calendar days.
2. If the student and the instructor are unable to reach agreement, or if the instructor is unwilling or unable to meet with the student, the student shall meet with the chair of the instructor's department. If the instructor involved is the Department Chair or if there is no Department Chair, the student shall meet with the appropriate Assistant or Associate Dean of the school involved. The Department Chair/Assistant or Associate Dean will meet with the student and with the instructor and recommend a solution to both the instructor and the student in writing within 10 calendar days.  

Formal Grievance Process for Academic Matters

1. If the student and instructor are still unable to reach agreement, the student may file a grievance with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (Student Conduct) generally within the 42 calendar days (6 weeks) of the start of classes after the grading period in question.
2. The Office of Student Conduct shall immediately notify a Student and Faculty Advocate. The Student and Faculty Advocates will meet with the aggrieved student within 14 calendar days (2 weeks) and advise the student in the preparation of evidence necessary to support his/her complaints.
3. Once a grievance has been forwarded, the Student Academic Grievance Board shall be convened to conduct a hearing within 21 calendar days (3 weeks). The Office of Student Conduct shall postpone the Student Academic Grievance Board Hearing in the event that the student is currently a party to an academic dishonesty case. The Board shall review all evidence, including the course syllabus, grading policy, exams, homework assignments, papers and other appropriate documents. Hearings are closed to all but the parties to the complaint, any witnesses, and the Student and Faculty Advocates. The student may be advised by the Student and Faculty Advocates during the hearing, but the Advocates may not testify. The Board will deliberate in executive session.
4. The decision of the Board is final, and the Board has the authority to change a grade or determine a remedy if it deems such action necessary. The decision will be provided in writing to the student, the instructor, the Student and Faculty Advocates, the Dean of the school or college involved, and, when a grade is changed, the University Registrar who shall amend the student's transcript. All written copies of the complaint, evidence, and decision, and the content of the hearings will be treated as confidential and will not be released other than as mentioned above.

All timelines for this process are suggested and may be extended for just cause.  

A student seeking clarification or guidance regarding filing an academic grievance should contact the Student Conduct and Community Standards Office for assistance (209) 946.2177 or studentconduct@pacific.edu

Grievances not otherwise provided for under this policy may be addressed by utilizing one or more of the procedures under Student Complaint Procedures Notice below.

The United States Department of Education requires institutions of higher education to publish and comply with policies regarding student complaints that address the school's program of education.

Any student at Pacific who wishes to bring a formal complaint to the administration regarding a significant problem that directly implicates a) University of the Pacific's  program of education and its compliance with the WASC Standards; b) University of the Pacific's policies or protocols; or c) California state laws, should do the following:

1. Submit the complaint in writing to the Vice President for Student Life. The complaint may be sent via email, U.S. Mail, facsimile, or in-person to the Office of the Vice President for Student Life (Hand Hall).

2. The complaint should describe in detail the behavior, program, process, or other matter that is at issue, and should explain how the matter directly implicates the student's program of education and the University's compliance with a specific, identified WASC Standards*, University policy/procedure, or state law.

3. The complaint must contain the complaining student's name, student ID#, official Pacific email address, and current mailing address. This information will be kept confidential, but there must be an identifying name for a response to take place.

*WSCUC Standards of Accreditation are located on the WASC website: WSCUC Standards of Accreditation

When an administrator receives a student complaint that complies with the foregoing requirements, the following procedures shall be followed:

1. The Vice President for Student Life will acknowledge the complaint within 3 business days of receipt. Acknowledgment may be made by email, U.S. Mail, or by personal delivery, at the option of the Vice President.

2. Within 10 business days of acknowledgment of the complaint, the Vice President for Student Life, or the Vice President's designee, shall respond to the substance of the complaint, either in writing or in person, and shall indicate what steps are being taken by the University to address the complaint. If further investigation is needed, the complaining student shall, upon conclusion of the investigation, be provided with a substantive response to the complaint within 10 business days after completion of the investigation.

3. Any appeal regarding a decision on a complaint shall be brought before the President of the University. The decision of the President will be final. Any appeal must be brought within 10 business days from the date of the response by the Vice President for Student Life.

4. A copy of the complaint and a summary of the process and resolution of the complaint shall be kept in the Office of the Vice President for Student Life for a period of 8 years from the date of final resolution of the complaint.

A complaint may also be pursued in the following manner(s):

1. If your complaint concerns the institution's compliance with academic programs, academic quality and/or accrediting standards, you may submit your complaint to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), University of the Pacific's accrediting agency, at www.wascsenior.org/comments.   

2.  If you believe that your complaint warrants further attention or is related to an alleged violation of state law, you may contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education for review of a complaint. The bureau may be contacted at: 

Most complaints made to media outlets or public figures, including members of the California legislature, Congress, the Governor, or individual Regents of University of the Pacific are referred to the Office of the President.

Nothing in this disclosure limits any right that the student may have to seek civil or criminal action to resolve the complaint.

University of the Pacific has provided this disclosure to you in compliance with the requirements of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, as regulated in CFR 34, Sections 600.9 (b) (3) and 668.43(b). If anything in this disclosure is out of date, please notify the Vice President for Student Life, 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95211, 209.946.2365.

This is an interactive web survey that allows Pacific students to enter information about their drinking patterns and receive feedback regarding their use of alcohol. The self-guided assessment is easy to use and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.
You will need
• A pen or pencil and something to write on
• A computer
• Internet access
• A JavaScript enabled Internet Browser
• 15-20 minutes
• A printer (to print the feedback)

A three-hour group class intended to engage students in self-reflection and discussion about facts, risks, and norms associated with alcohol and to equip them with the information, strategies, and skills to make wise decisions. The program emphasizes student safety and personal responsibility by providing personalized normative and educational information. Educational Fee: $75

This program consists of two one-on-one assessment and feedback sessions with staff from Counseling Services from the Cowell Wellness Center. The program is intended to engage students in self-reflection and discussion about facts, risks, and norms associated with alcohol and to equip them with the information, strategies, and skills to make wise decisions. It emphasizes student safety and personal responsibility by providing individualized normative and educational information. Educational Fee: $150

After paying, please schedule a first session by calling the Counseling Center: 209.946.2315 x2

This is an interactive web survey that allows Pacific students to enter information about their marijuana use and habits. The self-guided assessment is easy to use and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. You will need:

• A pen or pencil and something to write on
• A computer
• Internet access
• A JavaScript enabled Internet Browser
• A printer (to print the feedback)

Marijuana 101 is a web-based educational program examining marijuana's effects on the brain, health issues, school and job performance, and the consequences and realities of using marijuana. The course includes the e-TOKE self-assessment. The format includes six interactive lessons taking about 3 hours to complete. Educational Fee: $75

To pay go to: https://commerce.cashnet.com/01JAE

To take the Course:

1. Go to 3rdmilclassrooms.com
2. Click on Begin Enrollment-College on the left side menu.
3. When directed to enter the Control Number, enter the code provided in your outcome letter.

• Do not include payment or credit card information on the enrollment form (you should have already paid for the course through the process listed above)
• When you submit your enrollment information, you will receive a password immediately on the screen and by email.
• Log in using your email address and password to begin the course. It takes less than 3 hours to complete the course and you can login and out as needed.
• You and the notifying administrator at your institution will receive an email notification upon completion of the course. Print out a copy for your records.

This program consists of two one-on-one assessment and feedback sessions with staff from Counseling Services from the Cowell Wellness Center. The program is intended to engage students in self-reflection and discussion about facts, risks, and norms associated with marijuana and to equip them with the information, strategies, and skills to make wise decisions. It emphasizes student safety and personal responsibility by providing individualized normative and educational information. Educational Fee: $150

After paying, please schedule a first session by calling the Counseling Center: 209.946.2315 x2

This program consists of three one-on-one assessment and feedback sessions with staff from Counseling Services from the Cowell Wellness Center. The program is intended to engage students in self-reflection and discussion about facts, risks, and norms associated with alcohol and other drug use and to equip them with the information, strategies, and skills to make wise decisions. It emphasizes student safety and personal responsibility by providing individualized normative and educational information. Educational Fee: $225

After paying, please schedule a first session by calling the Counseling Center: 209.946.2315 x2